CONSTRICT Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'constrict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress , condense , contract , deflate , and shrink . While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter. // the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Q: Where would 'compress' be a reasonable alternative to 'constrict'?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance. // compressed cotton into bales

Q: When is 'condense' a more appropriate choice than 'constrict'?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content. // condense the essay into a paragraph

Q: When could 'contract' be used to replace 'constrict'?

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length. // caused her muscles to contract

Q: In what contexts can 'deflate' take the place of 'constrict'?

The words deflate and constrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas. // deflate the balloon

Q: When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'constrict'?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; however, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions. // the sweater will shrink when washed

constrict

verb

kən-ˈstrikt

Definition of constrict next

as in to shrink

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compress

to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together constricted the opening with a clamp

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word constrict different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress, condense, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to constrict?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When is condense a more appropriate choice than constrict?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could contract be used to replace constrict?

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

In what contexts can deflate take the place of constrict?

The words deflate and constrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When might shrink be a better fit than constrict?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; however, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of constrict No one is constricted to a static office environment. —

Mary Holland, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026 After delivery, the umbilical arteries constrict and degenerate. —

Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 This stress response constricts blood vessels and accelerates heart rate, which can contribute to blood pressure spikes. —

Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026 The Ukrainian bombardments have constricted the supply of gas in the oil-rich country and there are reports of Russians in several regions having to line up at the pump for hours at a time. —

Jane Lytvynenko, NBC news, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for constrict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrict

Verb

The reason is that the administration has shrunk the requirements for reports of immunization from states, changing the reports from mandated to voluntary.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Just verify messages directly, use a password manager, turn on account alerts and shrink the personal data brokers keep on you.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of shrink

Verb

The consumer version compresses that same idea into a ring, watch or app.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
Investment grade spreads are trading near historical tights, and high yield spreads have compressed below 300 basis points — a level that, according to iShares analysis, has occurred only 5% of the time since January 2000.

— Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of compress

Verb

As artificial intelligence transforms the job market and rising living costs squeeze family budgets, the University of California system is making the case that its degrees remain valuable investments.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Breweries may not have the budget or staff to create art and with rising costs squeezing small businesses, many breweries started to feature obvious generative AI art prominently as a way to talk about events or create content.

— Em Sauter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of squeeze

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constraints

constrict

constricted

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“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrict. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of constrict

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